GenAI in YouTube Shorts

A collaboration with YouTube Shorts to deliver responsible GenAI tools for mobile-first creators.

Brief

Mobile-first creators love spontaneity—but dread scripting and editing.

Result

We reimagined how generative AI could support their workflows without taking over their voice.

My Role
  • Product Designer
Tools

User Research | Surveys, User Interviews, Contextual Inquiries

Prototyping + Wireframing | Figma

Research Synthesis | Figjam, Google Sheets

Time & Team

Timeline | 6 months (Jan - July 2025)

Team | 3 designers, 1 researcher

Mentor | Ethelia Lung, Sr. Interaction Designer @Google

Overview

While most GenAI tools race to create for you, YouTube Shorts set out to challenge the norm—integrating AI not where it’s easiest, but where it could make a difference.

We built a modular system that works with creators, not around them; offering structure when they’re stuck, direction when they’re drifting, and momentum when they’re ready to move.

Introducing Sandbox.

An AI-powered creative playground for creators to ideate, draft new script ideas, and get inspired when stuck.

Research Insights Behind Sandbox

"Sometimes I just stare at the app and have no clue what to post".

— Interview participant

Content creators called for AI that breaks their creative blocks and helps ideate.

1
Top friction point

67% of surveyed creators said scripting was the most frustrating part of their workflow.

2
Creative blocks

Interviews revealed frequent creative blocks and “blank page” anxiety.

3
ChatGPT gives generic scripts

Users expressed that ChatGPT makes them sound robotic.

Say hello to Brand Kit.

An adaptive AI style kit that remembers your fonts, filters, and voice, so every Short looks like you.

Research Insights Behind Brand Kit

"I want people to recognize my vibe, so I always redo the same stuff—font, filter, captions. It takes forever".

— Interview participant

Content creators called for AI that adapts to their style and reduces tedium.

1
Consistency is currency

87% of surveyed creators said visual consistency was essential for building audience recognition and trust.

2
Editing fatigue

Creators cited reapplying fonts, filters, and captions across Shorts as tedious and time-consuming.

3
Too Many Options

Users expressed that it takes them forever to find their go-to styles in a sea of choices.